Uniontown Social Worker Recipient of First-Ever “Caring More” Award
Uniontown social worker and Tallmadge resident Lynn Werbecki has been chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Crossroads Hospice “Caring More” award. Social workers provide daily support to their patients, but few receive special recognition for their tireless efforts. In a move to honor social workers and their advocacy for those in need, Crossroads Hospice launched the “Caring More” award for a social worker who goes above and beyond for his/her patients and community.
At a breakfast held in her honor, Lynn received a $500 cash prize and $500 to present to her non-profit of choice, the March of Dimes – Northeast Ohio Division. Pictured here from left to right are Lynn Werbecki and Dean Leupold, executive director of Crossroads Hospice, which serves Stark County.
As a transition coordinator with Uniontown’s Area Agency on Aging, Lynn approaches each client with passion, sensitivity and understanding. She works to help people moving from a nursing facility back into their homes or community-based settings and connects them with medical supplies, transportation, meals, and other services based on the patient’s needs.
Lynn also serves as a representative of the Agency of Aging throughout the community as a speaker on various topics such as advance directives, long-term care, discharge planning and transition programs “I love speaking in front of people. I think it comes naturally because I’m passionate about what I do,” she said.
Award recognizes a Norman, OK social worker who goes above and beyond for patients and the community.
Norman social worker Kirsten Kastl has been chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Crossroads Hospice “Caring More” award. Kirsten’s dedication to her role as a social worker at Norman Regional Hospital is clear in the way she comforts patients, connects them with medical and financial resources, and answers families’ questions in times of uncertainty. From the ER to the labor and delivery unit, she prides herself in her ability to connect with people.
“If a doctor gives a terminal diagnosis, we’re often the first ones to help a family process what’s happening and what options are available in a way they understand,” she said.
At a breakfast held in her honor, Kirsten was recognized along with a non-profit she volunteers for, A New Leash on Life, which connects Oklahomans with disabilities and other needs with therapy dogs. Pictured here is Jack, a therapy dog from A New Leash on Life in Norman, OK.
Kirsten has been volunteering with her therapy dog, Honey, for the past four years, facilitating two therapy groups at Norman Regional Hospital every Saturday. She takes Honey through the hospital to visit with patients who are anxious or not feeling well, since one of Honey’s favorite activities is to lay with patients in their bed. Honey also helps patients who are recovering from strokes, who enjoy brushing her as they redevelop motor skills.